Ear combing clip.
Little video on basic ear combing, the wonderful willow dragged into the demo 😂
As she is flat coated this will be slightly different to combing your curly coats but the same method is applied overall.
Start at the tips of the ear, comb through, gradually working your way up to the base of the ear. For curly coats you will need to 'line brush' separating the layers of hair as you go.
Once you've covered this side, flip the ear and begin to work your way around. You should be able to see the skin and end of the ears.
Then let the ear go back to it natural position and we always have another comb to double check ✔️
Being thorough will help you find any smaller knots or tangles before they become matts as you will also be feeling the ear as you move over it.
The beginning of a Marley tornado 🌪 😂
Pre-bath blow out to get some of that loose hair out ready for even more to come out after his bath! This is why I wear those gorgeous mosquito net hats and masks...no one needs to be breathing all this dander and hair in...and this is just the beginning!
Tried to wait it out for spring to arrive and do an updated video but I don't think it's coming anytime soon 😂
Love a spotless groom room even if it doesn't last too long 🤷🏼♀️
Featuring willow just doing her own thing 🐶🐾❤️
Pt 2 Matting.
So we know matting happens but what to do when it does. Firstly please speak with a groomer, sooner rather than later. This makes it easier to deal with for both parties.
Surely it's just knotted hair?
No, it's not, the hair will twist and tighten, pinching the skin with it. It can also hide all kinds of nastiness, such as open sores, infections, fleas, ticks, dirt&debris. Personally I've pulled a few fishing hooks, decoration hooks and big fake nails out! If lefts long enough dogs have been known to lose a limb, as the mat has tightened so much it has cut off all circulation and the limb has effectively died off. It has also been known to hide broken legs too!
So why not just trim it with scissors and let my dog keep the fur?
The matting is incredibly close to the skin, skin could be being twisted up into the matt which you may cut! No one wants this. The safest option will be to work incredibly slow with clippers, gently removing the matt and ensuring no accidents occur though sometimes it can not be helped and allowing the dogs time to adjust. Please bare in mind the dog will already be in a fair amount of pain from the matting alone, so understandably may not be the most cooperative.
You can see in this video clip the force I am using with tools, now imagine the fur was still on the dog, that would cause more unnecessary pain for the dog. Also the hidden dirt where the mat is cut open.
So if your groomer does happen to suggest a clip off and start again, please be kind and do not give them abuse, sometimes it really is the kindest option for the dog. We do not enjoy 'scalping' your dogs and I can tell you now I have sat and cried my eyes out with dogs more times than you can imagine.
Your groomer is your dogs advocate while they are in their care so please take their advice on coat care etc. If your struggling with the maintenance let them know, we are a decent bunch and will assist where we can.
Humanity will always come before vanity, your dog
Matting Educational Post. Pt 1.
First and foremost I am not here to name and shame anyone. Matting can happen for a number of reasons. Lack of thorough combing is one reason, friction from collars and harnesses is another.
I am also going to say no groomer will 'enjoy' 'scalping' your dog, sometimes it is the kindest thing to do. It breaks us emotionally and mentally! Removing matting is truly an art form and you will not convince me otherwise!
Yes matting does happen, particularly on long/curly coated breeds. That is why daily combing at home is absolutely vital. If you are struggling with your at home maintenance please discuss this with your groomer, a shorter trim may be an option or even a modified trim. We do understand sometime life gets in the way and will always try to help.
The wet muddy weather also has a helping hand in creating these little monsters....
In this video you can see me tugging on a mat trying to break it or find a gap, which just is not possible. You can see the straight line where it was clipped off a dog at the base.
Pt 2 will discuss the effects of mats on dogs....
Just enjoying his half-time break and play 🐾❤️ makes the whole process so much easier for both pup and groomer 😊
Nothing beats those 'half-time' breaks 😊 we all need them sometimes 🐾❤️
Tell me again why you wear a mosquito hat while deshedding 🤔
This tornado is exactly why and this is just from before his bath!! Which means there's even more to come! I tried mask and glasses/goggles and the hair either gets in or I fog up 🤦🏼♀️😂 so I will forever be rocking this gloriously glam look 🙋🏼♀️😂
Tell me again why you wear a mosquito hat while deshedding 🤔
This tornado is exactly why and this is just from before his bath!! Which means there's even more to come! I tried mask and glasses/goggles and the hair either gets in or I fog up 🤦🏼♀️😂 so I will forever be rocking this gloriously glam look 🙋🏼♀️😂
Dog not a fan of nail trims? That's pretty common but there are steps we can take to try help make it easier on them. A scratch board is one of those ways! This one has a door I can hide treats behind but this little man is far more motivated by balls so that's what we went for! This can take so much stress out of it for dogs and can even be done at home!
Dog isn't keen on having nails done? That's fine! Where there's a will there is a way.
There will be the odd dog who's stress is just to high in regards to nail trims that vet help and sedatives may be needed to get through this with little stress and that is OK too, the priority is your dogs comfort.
How can your groomer help?
Obviously we would love all clients to be absolute saints on the table but thats not realistic, like ourselves dogs have likes, dislikes and fears. Please discuss your dogs history open and honestly with your groomer.
For others a good distraction or different technique may be enough for them! Licki mats are a godsend...some stinky dog safe paste on there and we can usually get them done! Or atleast the ones which are necessary. I also try all clients with the scratch board, very wonderfully demonstrated here 👏
This was his first session with this so the main focus is on getting him used to the feel of it and then beginning to encourage scratching and I must say he got the hang of it very quickly! He prefers balls over treats so that's what we went with.
Keeping stress low is vital, more so in those who are brachycephalic or prone to heart issues.
These scratch boards can be purchased online for at home use too.
The difference a mud bath can make 🐾 ❤️
Marleys Mucky Pup Spa is a dog grooming Spa which covers all aspects of dog grooming ❤🐾
